Home Remedies for Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that usually affects the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Anyone can suffer from rosacea, but it most commonly affects middle-aged women who have fair skin. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, an allergic reaction or other skin problems.

Typical symptoms include red patches and bumps, swelling, a burning sensation, swollen eyelids, small cysts, and thick and dry skin. The symptoms tend to come and go. The skin may be clear for weeks, months or years, and then erupt again.

Though the exact cause of roasea is still unknown, it is believed that it may happen due to the swelling of the blood vessels beneath the skin.

Factors that increase the risk of a breakout are exposure to direct sunlight, eating too much spicy food, excessive drinking, stress, intense exercise, sinus infections and living in areas with extreme temperatures. It tends to run in families. Those who blush easily, or who have fair skin are more prone to this problem.

Some simple home remedies can help minimize symptoms so that you can go on with your daily activities without worrying.

1. Chamomile Compress

Chamomile is a great remedy for rosacea due to its anti-inflammatory property that helps reduce inflammation and redness. Moreover, its active ingredients like terpenoids and flavonoids have a soothing effect on skin.

Soak three to six chamomile tea bags in three cups of boiling water for 10 minutes.

Remove the tea bags and place the bowl in the refrigerator until the water is cold.

Dip a cotton cloth in the cold solution and wring out the excess liquid. Place the damp cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes.

Repeat the remedy three or four times a day until you notice improvement.

Note: In rare cases, chamomile may cause allergic reactions, so do a patch test before using this remedy.

2. Green Tea

Green tea has anticarcinogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and phyto protective properties that work together in an effective manner to treat rosacea. Green tea can help reduce the skin’s reaction to ultraviolet light, thus helping prevent papules and pustules from developing on the affected area.

Make two cups of green tea and put it in the refrigerator for half an hour. Soak a cloth in the cold tea and place over the affected skin area for several minutes. This soothing treatment will decrease redness and inflammation. Follow this remedy twice daily for months for effective results.

Also try to drink green tea at least twice daily. It will help to keep your skin hydrated and your body will get extra antioxidants that in turn will speed up the healing process.

3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce redness, itching and inflammation.

Mix one-half cup of powdered oatmeal and one-fourth cup of water in a large bowl.

Apply this mixture to the affected skin areas. Lightly smooth the oatmeal over the skin, but do not rub the skin.

Leave it on for 20 minutes.

Rinse it off with cool water, and pat dry your skin with a soft towel.

Repeat this treatment twice daily for several days for best results.

4. Licorice

According to a 2005 study presented to the American Academy of Dermatology, licorice helps reduce redness, which is the most common symptom of rosacea. Licorice extract has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help promote healthy skin cells. Plus, it reduces skin irritation.

Mix one tablespoon of licorice powder, and one teaspoon each of honey and aloe vera gel.

Apply the mixture on the affected skin area. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Follow this remedy twice daily for four to eight weeks.

5. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and hence it has been used widely to treat many skin problems, including rosacea.

Soak a cotton ball in pure lavender oil (therapeutic-grade) and gently massage it onto affected areas of your skin. It will help ease inflammation and shrink facial blood vessels. Repeat twice daily for a few weeks.

Mix one tablespoon of almond oil and one drop of lavender oil. Before going to bed, apply the mixture on the affected areas and gently massage. Leave it on for overnight and wash your face with lukewarm water in the morning. Do this daily for several weeks.

Note: Lavender oil must be used with caution as it may cause skin irritation in some people.